On Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday with a liturgy. Each of the House Leaders, House Captains and Vice Captains lead a liturgy with their houses. Some of our Year 11 and 12 students also joined with the St Mary’s parish to celebrate mass at 8am. Ash Wednesday symbolises the beginning of Lent, a time where Hesus spent 40 days in the desert preparing for his active ministry and his impending Crucifixion and Resurrection. 

This Lent, as is the tradition at Hennessy we are supporting Caritas Australia in Project Compassion. Students are encouraged to donate to this freely as part of our commitment to those less fortunate and the incredible work of Caritas Australia. Each house has been set a challenge to raise as many funds as possible. The House Captains and House Leaders have come together to produce some wonderful ideas to support this initiative. 

We have often thought of Lent as a time to “give something up” to learn to sacrifice or live without. We also encourage people to consider the option of taking on a prayerful experience as part of their Lenten promise. As part of the College’s Lenten promise Staff and students are encouraged to join with the parish for 8am Mass during Lent. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday Year 8 and 10 students were engaged in the Choicez Media presentations. This is always an informative and well received presentation regarding the use of our personal digital devices and the choices that we make while using them. Choicez also presented to the Staff and Parents in separate sessions which was well attended and I thank parents and staff for making the effort to continue learning about the very different world that our students live in.

Next week we will celebrate our Opening Mass in two separate ceremonies. Mass is a very important part of our Catholic identity and life of the College. Students are expected to wear full summer school uniform. Students will be presented with their house badges at the mass and I invite all parents and community members who are able to attend to join with us. I would like to thank in advance Mr Phil Mitchell for organising the masses and Mrs Catherine Riordan who has been organising the musicians.